what's important

Sorry I haven't written for so long...this month has been a little crazy with a lot of ups and downs. I definitely learned that the Lord is ever watchful of us and he hears our prayers, that in life all that truly matters are good friends and strong family relationships...oh and life is full of surprises. Did anyone else know that? But I have to say that when it really bites you where it counts it's refreshing to have a little laugh with the ones you love. Well where do I start? I'm not sure how much to say but basically my sister is in the middle of a divorce and her husband left her with 3 small kids. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do-sitting here in Philly when I knew she was hurting so badly. Luckily for me I had already planned a trip to our family cabin so I knew my family would all be together to be with her during her difficult time. It honestly turned out to be one of my favorite family vacations. 

I have no doubt in my mind that Satan is working as hard as he can to tear families apart. Protect your homes, fill it with the spirit, download K9, do whatever you need to do but be careful of what you and your family let into your lives. It was amazing to see how much the Lord had strengthened my sister and helped her find the peace she needed. She is the most forgiving, strong and amazing person I've ever known and I'm so proud to be her sister.

On my little trip home I was also able to go to Ryan's sister Jess's wedding. It was beautiful and so great to be with all of Ryan's family. Congrats JESS!!!! You all will always be my family and I love you all so much!!! Thanks for letting me celebrate with you! (...and you got me to dance at a wedding again...something I SWORE I'd never do again. You guys are so much fun!!!)

urban streets

About a month ago my brother hooked me up with this great photography job for a fashion show that is raising money for charity. He had me send him some urban photos that I'd taken and he showed them to his client and I got the job!! I just thought I'd post a couple shots that he's going to use for fliers and slideshows for the event.

4th of july weekend

This past week my parents came to Philadelphia to visit. It was so much fun to have them here and it was great to learn more about our country's history around the Forth of July holiday. We traveled from one end of the state to the other (rocking out to Michael Jackson RIP) and were able to visit some amazing places. On the way to Gettysburg I had to stop along the side of the road so I could photograph an old house. Here is one of the shots-the house dates back before the Revolutionary War. (sorry for the photo overload)

When we got to Gettysburg it was the anniversary of the battle. As we stood on the battlefield we found out that at that exact moment 146 years ago, we were standing where the Union army would have been and Confederate soldiers would have been running right for us. It was a really cool experience. Here are a few shots-the hill where we were standing and an old cannon used in the war.

The next day we went to Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Falling Water'...my absolute favorite part of our whole trip!!!! I've always appreciated the architecture (who wouldn't), especially after doing a presentation on him for my art history class last semester but it was SO GREAT to see it in person! It was amazing.

We made the trip back to Philadelphia where we saw the sights around the city and celebrated the 4th. I had SO much fun!! Thanks for coming to visit! We love you!

happy birthday love

This last weekend we celebrated Ryan's 27th birthday! Unfortunately now he keeps reminding me that a 27 year old should not be childless and if we wait any longer to have kids he'll be too old. (No this does not mean you should leave a comment about why I need to start trying to get pregnant...Abbie that goes for you especially.) This year all Ryan wanted was a boat, a truck and a new mountain bike. Wow. Maybe a baby would have been an easier present. After much thought, or not much thought since I knew the other 2 weren't happening, I decided to surprise him with a mountain bike. I was glad I did when I found him riding around the parking lot by himself as the sun was going down that evening. He was like an excited little kid. I felt like yelling to him "5 more minutes, honey, and then you need to come in". It was a really great day and we were blessed with really great weather. We had a picnic and cake with our friends out by the pool. Its really nice to have such great friends out here with us this summer. They feel like our family away from home. We love you guys and thanks for celebrating with us!!

Ryan, you never stop amazing me. Your love and excitement for life is admirable. I learn so much from you everyday. I love you. Happy birthday.

new york.

Thank goodness for girls trips! Last Monday we decided to drive down to NYC for a little shopping day (ps Only 2 hours away! Who's coming to visit now?!). We seriously shopped our hearts out on Canal Street and had a complete New York City experience. We watched undercover cops arrest knock off purse dealers, smelt probably the worst kinds of stinky Asian food I've ever come across, watched Jamie step in nast pee water and a mini squid in her flip flops, ran through the pouring rain (and I mean RAIN), fell over when the Subway started moving, watched the 'Naked Cowboy' harass Ashley and Caitlyn, and ate at simply the best chocolate restaurant I've ever been to: Max Brenner. (Woot.) Thanks New York!!

Our new purses...shopping trip complete!

simple things

A friend of mine just showed me this awesome video and I had to share it. It took over a year to make and he traveled to over 40 countries. Doesn't this make you want to travel the world and live your life to its fullest!? I LOVED it!! Dancing is universal. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best things.

(love the one from Tongatapu Tonga!)

carnival

I've got to admit that I have seriously been slacking lately. I've been out here since April and I've only gone out to take pictures once. PATHETIC!! I can't believe its JUNE already! I have spent way too much time at the pool and not enough time getting stuff done. I've made it a new goal to get off my behind and do some photographing. I've always been interested in mixed lighting so I thought I'd mess around a little with it at a local carnival this past weekend. Here are a couple of shots I liked...